Why can't I figure out this portion stuff?

So I'm 15 months out and I still can't get the hang of portion sizes.  It seems that I can't even eat 2 ounces of dense protein without getting stuffed.  Tonight I had some leftover chicken breast and I literally ate only 5 pieces (maybe 1 ounce) and maybe 2 tiny bites of a potatoe (red, nothing on it) and I was stuffed.  I ate slowly, no drinking (I never do during a meal) and really tried to pay attention to my signals.  Well, I stopped and then realized I over ate and was so uncomfortable.  I try to undereat, like Frisco says, but this seems a little extreme. I do measure out my meats and I have never been able to eat 2 ounces of dense protein.  On a good day I can maybe eat 1 1/2 ounces.  So, if this is the case, why can't I get these damn last 10 pounds off??

Just really wanted to vent...

You might not be able to get the last 10lbs off because you aren't consuming enough calories to feed your body and so it's holding on.  Just one theory of many.

I don't have the restriction you have, but maybe chicken in a sauce, legs and thighs instead of breasts.  If you eat fish go with the oily fish like salmon.

MS Shell

I use salsa and avocado to help lubricate dense meats like chicken and pork. Salmon usually goes down well. If you are not getting enough calories, that could also stall your weight loss. Are you changing around your exercise intensity and frequency? Trying different things? Your body gets used to working at a certain level and doesn't burn as many calories, unless it is constantly being challenged by new activities.

Are you getting enough protein?

Wow incredible restriction!  How are you labs?  Please be dilligent with them.  I am surprised you can only eat so little and you are so far out.

Perhaps eat more often, implement more meals or snacks into your plan and be sure to focus on protein.  Leave the potatoe and veggies, etc. and focus on protein.  Some of the above suggestions will help you get more protein in.

How many calories are you eating in a day?  Do you track them?  How much exercise do you do?

I know it will just take a bit of tweeking and those last 10 lbs will be gone.  Keep asking questions and making small changes until you are there.

Cindy

Hi Cindy,
My labs have been really good.  I do still take my vitamins, most of the time.  I can only eat small amounts of dense protein.  Everything else goes down just fine, if you know what I mean.  I do worry that I am not getting enough protein.  When I track, which is about 3 days a week, I am only getting in about 40 grams protein.  My calories average about 900-1100.  I do still drink a protein drink most days.  I do exercise pretty strenuously about 4 days a week.  

This is what I had today:
Breakfast
1/2 bagel thin
1/2 sausage patty
1/2 egg

A couple ritz crackers later in the morning

Lunch
about 1 1/2 ounces chicken
3 little pieces red potatoe
couple almonds

Snack
1/2 pumpkin muffin
about 1 cup popcorn

Dinner
Almost 1 whole chicken thigh
maybe 1/2 cup coleslaw


snack
hot protein chocolate
1 cheese stick

this is a pretty typical day for me. 

Any advice you can offer, Cindy, would be most appreciated.  I know I should lay off the carbs but honestly I get headachy when I try to restrict too much.  I think part of my problem is I tend to eat mindlessly.  I grabbed a cheese stick when I wasn't even hungry, more bored then anything.  I know this is part of my problem.  I tend to eat out of boredom.  But still, I am not getting that many calories and my weight has been stuck for about 5 months.  I've even upped my exercise and added more strength training.  

40 grams of protein is not enough. The recommended amount is usually about 70-80/day. Not enough protein can stall your weight loss.

Maybe, track everyday, so that it help to keep you mindful and accountable.

At breakfast, can you ditch the sausage and eat a whole egg?

Ritz crackers can go, or at least add some cheese or protein to it.

Pumpkin muffin and popcorn are both carbs. It is recommended to always have protein, with your carbs. Complex carbs are more nutritious, offer more fiber, and give you more energy than the type of carbs that you have listed above. Popcorn is okay, but not at the expense of some more protein.

Can you tolerate some Greek NF yogurt with some fruit, along with your almonds?

Are you eating anything green, besides coleslaw?

Are you using some healthy fats? almonds are good, but it is recommended to have a small serving of a healthy fat at each meal.

If you are exercising 4 days a week, your intake looks pretty low, for someone this far out.

Maybe, try adding another protein shake, with milk or something like almond or soy milk, and a little fruit to it.

Just my two cents worth.

Thank you so much for your response honey, you are a sweetheart!

I just hope I didn't step on any toes.

Absolutely not!!  I am not 100% and I get overwhelmed quite easily right now.  I appreciate you stepping in.  You are very wise and dedicated to your health, don't ever hesitate to step in.

Big hugs and thanks again,

Cindy

Thanks to both of you.  I really appreciate all your advice.  I will definitely try to up my protein.  I've just had other people tell me that if I'm not losing anything then what I'm eating could be considered maintenance.  I'm not losing and I'm not gaining so I'm maintaining.  I've had other people tell me to go lower calorie and while I can do this for a day or two, with all my exercise I can't keep it up.  I know I'm not getting enough protein so I will try and get more in.

You both are such sweet-hearts and I love reading both your posts and your responses to other people's posts.  Cindy, I don't know your struggles but know that I care.

thanks again